Arshad Warsi recently found himself at the center of controversy after calling Prabhas’ character in Kalki 2898 AD a “joker,” a comment that sparked backlash from fans. In response, Warsi finally addressed the situation, stating in a lighthearted manner that criticism no longer affects him. He remarked that, at this point in his career, such negativity doesn’t faze him anymore, humorously adding that he now intends to love every actor and film for the rest of his life.
The controversy first arose during an August appearance on Samdish Bhatia’s podcast, where Warsi was asked to name a disappointing film. He cited Kalki 2898 AD and expressed his dissatisfaction with Prabhas’ performance, comparing it to that of a “joker” and stating that he had hoped for a more intense portrayal, akin to Mel Gibson’s role in Mad Max. Warsi questioned the creative decisions made in the film, saying he was left puzzled by the direction the movie took.
The remark did not sit well with several prominent figures in the Telugu film industry. Actors Nani and Sudheer Babu, along with director Ajay Bhupathi, criticized Warsi’s comment, suggesting he could have been more considerate in voicing his opinion. Despite the backlash, Warsi maintained a calm stance, noting that everyone is entitled to their views in a democratic society and that criticism is simply part of the business.
In a recent interview with India Today, Warsi revealed that this was the first time he had faced such significant backlash. He explained that while negativity can affect positive people, he has learned to brush it off. Referring to his past experiences, he remarked that having faced metaphorical “stones” before, he is no longer bothered by public criticism.
When asked about disabling comments on his social media, Warsi humorously admitted that he doesn’t even know how to do it, dismissing the speculation that he was avoiding further criticism. He also addressed rumors suggesting that the controversy was staged to promote his upcoming film, clarifying that he was unaware of his film’s release schedule at the time.
On the professional front, Warsi is preparing for his role in Jolly LLB 3, while also set to star in Banda Singh Chaudhary, produced by Arbaaz Khan and co-starring Meher Vij.